George Strait's days of military service are far behind him, but the country star has never forgotten his fellow veterans.
Since 2010, Strait has served as spokesman for the Wrangler National Patriot program, a campaign designed to raise awareness and funds for America's wounded and fallen military veterans and their families.
"I've been a part of the Wrangler family for a long time," says Strait, who's endorsed Wrangler Western Wear apparel throughout much of his career. "When they came to me with the idea for supporting fallen and wounded American veterans and their families, I knew I wanted to get involved."
Wrangler founded the program in December 2009 with a $50,000 donation. Since then, the company has donated a portion of proceeds from its National Patriot line of clothing and accessories to various charities that provide support to military veterans and their families. The shirts, jeans and other clothing items are sold at rodeos across the country, as well as at specialty retailers that carry Wrangler Western Wear.
"Because I'm a veteran myself, I know how important it is simply for the men and women serving our country to know we're behind them," Strait says. "To be able to help them financially during tough times is just that much more special."
Beyond direct involvement, the company encourages rodeo organizations nationwide to create their own fundraising events and helps locally based charities with similar goals.
"I'm proud to support the Wrangler National Patriot program and the great work Wrangler is doing for our soldiers," Strait says.
